China Opposes U.S. Sanctions on Its Companies Amid Ukraine Conflict
BEIJING — China has firmly opposed the latest U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese companies over their alleged connections to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The Chinese government has announced that it will take necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of its businesses.
The U.S. recently implemented extensive sanctions against hundreds of firms across Russia, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, accusing these entities of supplying products and services that bolster Russia’s military efforts and help it evade existing sanctions. The U.S. Department of State has expressed concerns regarding the significant exports of dual-use goods from China to Russia.
In a strong statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. move to place multiple Chinese companies on its export control list, which prevents these firms from trading with U.S. companies without an exceptionally difficult-to-obtain special license.
The ministry labeled the U.S. actions as “typical unilateral sanctions,” asserting that such measures would disturb global trade norms and adversely affect the stability of international industrial and supply chains.
“China urges the U.S. to immediately cease its erroneous practices and will take necessary actions to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies,” the ministry stated.
These sanctions are part of an ongoing series of punitive measures imposed by the U.S. on Russian companies and their international suppliers since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The effectiveness of these sanctions has drawn skepticism, especially as Russia remains resilient by continuing to sell oil and gas on global markets.
The U.S. State Department has indicated that some companies based in China have supplied machine tools and components to Russian firms.
While China has aimed to maintain a neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict, it shares a mutual disdain for the West with Russia. Following severe sanctions on Russian oil from Western nations, China has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil, thereby enhancing its influence over Russia. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of China through high-level meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping following his recent inauguration for a fifth term.
